McClughan Memorial Most Viable Punster Award (mmMVP)

In 2001 the O.Henry Pun-Off instituted a new award, enigmatically known as the "MVP Trophy." Only those contestants competing in the Pun-Off were allowed to vote for one of their own, as the "most viable punster" of the contest. As the idea of this award was the brainchild of the late George McClughan, the third annual presentation of this award was named in his honor as the "McClughan Memorial Most Viable Punster Award" (mmMVP) in recognition of his many years of passionate devotion and service to the Annual O.Henry Pun-Off World Championships.

George McClughan passed away exactly three months after winning yet another of his many trophies and medals at the 2002 Pun-Off. The following year the "dead occasion" of the mmMVP award was made in his honor and was presented to his widow on stage at the 26th Annual O.Henry Pun-Off World Championships Austin Texas - May 3, 2003  "In recognition of his many years of passionate devotion and service to the Annual O.Henry Pun-Off World Championships, the members of Punsters United Nearly Yearly (P.U.N.Y.)and The Friends of the O.Henry Museum hereby re-dedicate the "Most Viable Punster Award" in the honor of George W. McClughan Jr.   In fond memory of his dedicated service to the art and craft of the wit in word, this trophy will be annually awarded in his honor and hereafter known as the "McClughan Memorial Most Viable Punster Award" (mmMVP)"

Previous Winners:

• 2001: GitaMani
• 2002: Gita Mani
• 2003: Carlotta Stankiewicz
• 2004: Brian Oakley & Steven Fuller
• 2005: Chris Caillouet
• 2006: Valerie Ward
• 2007: Eirik Ott
• 2008: Valerie Ward
• 2009: Andy Balinsky